Nigerian Research Journal of Chemical ... - unn.edu.ng

Nigerian Research Journal of Chemical Sciences (ISSN: 2682-6054)

Volume 8, Issue 1, 2020

http://www.unn.edu.ng/nigerian-research-journal-of-chemical-sciences/ 265

QUALITY EVALUATION OF BOTTLED WATER PACKAGED WITHIN

NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

*Muhammad Taoheed Bisiriyu, Mustapha Adekomi Ganiyu, Nelson Edache Ogwuche,

Abidemi Adedayo Koleola & Rasaq Bolakale Salau

Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Ten different brands of bottled water were procured from different regions of Niger State,

Nigeria for this study. The labeling information, temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical

conductivity, total hardness, chloride, alkalinity, lead, copper, manganese and iron contents of

the water samples were determined using standard methods. The investigation revealed that the

temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total hardness, chloride and alkalinity of the samples

ranged between 26.5+0.50–28.0+0.00 oC, 6.20+0.09–7.33+0.30, 13.5+1.50– 317.5+1.50 µScm-1,

13-125 mg/L, 2.89 - 31.36 mg/L and 5-60 mg/L, respectively. Lead and copper were not detected

in all the samples except SB10 with 0.01 mg/L of copper. Similarly, manganese was detected in

six samples at concentrations between (0.02-0.08 mg/L) while iron ranged between 0.01-0.16

mg/L). The physical, chemical and heavy metals composition of the water samples complied

with World Health Organization (WHO) and Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)

permissible limits for drinking water except the pH of one sample (SB8) that was below the

permissible limit. However, 60% of the brands had no manufacturing and expiry dates on their

label as required by the Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and

Control (NAFDAC). Therefore, periodic evaluation and monitoring by concerned agencies

should be intensified to ensure that bottled water producers in the state strictly adhere to the

standard operating procedures.

Keywords: Bottled water, heavy metals, physical examination, physicochemical, recommended

standards.

http://www.unn.edu.ng/nigerian-research-journal-of-chemical-sciences/

Muhammad Taoheed Bisiriyu, Mustapha Adekomi Ganiyu, Nelson Edache Ogwuche, Abidemi Adedayo Koleola & Rasaq Bolakale Salau: Quality Evaluation of Bottled Water Packaged within Niger State, Nigeria


INTRODUCTION

Water is an integral part of human life and an indispensable natural resource for the well-being

and socio-economic development of every nation [1-3]. It is very abundant in nature as it

occupies about 70% of the earth crust. Yet, about 70% of Nigerian populace and 1.2 billion

people globally lack access to portable water [4]. Many health challenges in developing countries

are associated with inaccessibility to safe water. About 80% of all the diseases and over 30% of

death in the developing countries are attributed to drinking water [4-6]. Also, five million

children die annually from diseases attributed to consumption of contaminated water [7-8].

Larger percentages of the diseases are infectious. The presence of toxic inorganic chemicals in

drinking water may cause cancer, respiratory and nervous system disorder, damages to immune

system and organs, abnormal physical and mental development in babies and young children,

internal hemorrhage and birth defects [9].

Niger State, like several other states in Nigeria, is faced with problem of shortage of adequate

potable water. The supply of public pipe borne water is grossly inadequate due to increased

population and human activities. Consequently, many households sought for alternative sources

(boreholes, hand-dug wells, ponds, water vendors and packaged water) to meet their domestic

water needs [10-13].

The quality of water obtained from these sources in Niger State has been evaluated by different

researchers [2-3, 12-14]. Studies on water quality in Suleja, Niger State revealed that the

analyzed water samples; hand-dug wells, boreholes and surface water in the area were poor for

domestic purposes [2]. Yisa et al. [12] worked on underground water quality assessment in Doko

Community, Niger State, Nigeria, and reported that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and

nitrate (NO3-) values of the water samples exceeded the permissible limit of WHO, while

chloride and iron contents were below the WHO limits. A study on selected sachet water

produced in some part of Minna, Niger State, Nigeria revealed that the pH, iron, copper and

nitrate values of some of the samples analyzed did not conform to WHO/EPA standards [14].

Gimba [3] also assessed the quality of drinking water in Bosso Town, Niger State. The result of

the analysis on forty water samples obtained from pond, wells, borehole, tap and sachet water in

the study area; revealed that 11.1% and 33.3% of well water samples had nitrite (NO-2) and

nitrate (NO3-) contents higher than the recommended values, while residual chlorine for tap and




sachet water was below 0.5 mg/L WHO recommendation. The study also showed that the only

samples from borehole failed to meet the guideline value for both iron and fluoride. In view of

this, people tend to go for bottled water which they considered to be safe for drinking because of

its pleasant taste, absence of odour and the belief that it is free from microbial contamination and

harmful chemicals.

A number of studies have been carried out on the quality of bottled water in different parts of

Nigeria and other parts of the world. The quality evaluation of bottled water in Isuochi town of

Abia State, revealed that most of the samples analyzed had copper, iron, zinc, calcium and

magnesium above WHO and SON recommended limits [15]. Assessment of bottled water in

Gboko Metropolis in Benue State revealed that 25% of the bottle water samples analyzed had

iron content above WHO recommended limits [1]. In a study carried out in Imo State, the

analyzed bottled water brands were within SON recommended limits for the investigated

parameters [16]. Similarly, bottled water produced and/or sold in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State

were of good quality [17]. The report on bottled drinking water in Zimbabwe showed that the

investigated bottled water brands failed to comply with WHO guidelines for drinking water [18].

In spite of the prevalence of bottled water within Niger State, limited report has been

documented on the quality of bottled water in the state in recent time. Thus, this study aimed to

evaluate the labeling information, physicochemical parameters and heavy metals composition of

some bottled water packaged within Niger State, Nigeria with a view to ascertain their level of

compliance with international and national recommended standards for drinking water.

EXPERIMENTAL

Study Area

Niger state is in North-central Nigeria. The study areas are located in Niger State. The State lies

on the Guinea savanna zone at latitude 90 37 N and longitude 60 33 E (Fig.1). It covers an area of

76,363 square kilometers with a population of 3,950,249. Its capital is in Minna with an

estimated population of 304,113 according to 2006 population census [19].

Sampling

Bottled water samples packaged within Niger state, Nigeria, were collected from different

regions in the state for the purpose of this research. A total of ten brands which include Sabo




Best, Habees, Maizube, BHG, Goje, FUTMIN, Supreme, Golden Age, Mutunci, and Dan Yabo

bottled water were identified and purchased from vendors in Kontagora, Bosso and Chanchaga

(Fig. 2) LGAs in the state as packaged by the manufacturers.

Figure 1: Niger State in Nigeria Context

Figure 2: The Study Areas in Niger State Context




Physical Examination of Labeling

The labeling information was physically examined on each sample [4, 20].

Determination of Physicochemical Parameters

A simple mercury-in-glass thermometer (Model HACH/210) was used to determine the

temperature of all the water samples shortly after they were obtained. The pH of each water

sample was determined using a pH meter (Model PHS-25). The electrical conductivity and

turbidity were measured using electrical conductivity meter (Model DD-307) and turbidity meter

(Model WT 3020), respectively. Chloride, total alkalinity and total hardness were determined

according to the method prescribed by APHA [21].

Heavy Metals Analysis

The heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Pb,and Fe) of the water samples were determined with atomic

absorption spectrophotometer (Model AA500) following the procedure described by Chinedu et

al. [22].

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Physical Examination of Bottled Water

The result of the labeling information obtained from physical examination of bottled water

samples as required by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control

(NAFDAC) is presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Physical Examination of Bottle Water

S/N

Product/

Parameter

Product

Name

Manufacturer

Address

Manufacturing

Date

Batch

Number

Expiry

Date

NAFDAC

Number

1 SB1 + + - + - +

2 SB2 + + - + - +

3 SB3 + + - + - +

4 SB4 + + - + - +

5 SB5 + + + + + +

6 SB6 + + + + + +




7 SB7 + + - + - +

8 SB8 + + + + + +

9 SB9 + + - + - +

10 SB10 + + + + + +

Ref WHO

guidelines

+ + + + + +

Ref SON

guidelines

+ + + + + +

+ = Indicated, - = Not Indicated, [7, 23]

NAFDAC stipulates that all information on the labeling of food and drugs must be informative

and accurate [4, 24-25]. From the results, all the examined samples showed 100% compliance

concerning product name, manufacturer address, batch number and registration number as they

are clearly displayed on the labeling. However, only 40% indicated manufacturing and expiry

date on their labeling. The NAFDAC number on the labeling is an indication that the factories

are duly registered and certified to operate by NAFDAC while batch number is highly useful to

track and withdraw any product from the market in case of discovery of defects in the product.

The manufacturing and expiry dates are crucial as they indicate the period within which the

consumer can consume the water while the manufacturer's address gives information of where

the factory is located. Therefore, lack of compliance to the stipulated standards by some

packaged water manufacturer as observed in this present study could impact negatively on the

health of consumers.

.

Physicochemical Parameters of Bottled Water

The results of physicochemical parameters of the investigated samples are presented in Figure 3-

7.




Figure 3: Temperature of Bottled Water

Figure 4: pH of Bottled Water

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

SB1 SB2 SB3 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 SB9 SB10 WHO SON

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


PH

Samples




Figure 5: Electrical Conductivity of Bottled Water

Figure 6: Turbidity of Bottled Water

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

SB1 SB2 SB3 SB4 SB5 SB6 SB7 SB8 SB9 SB10WHOSON

Ele

ctri

cal

Con

du

ctiv

ity (

μS

cm−

1)

Samples

0.00

1.00

2.00

3.00

4.00

5.00

6.00





Figure 7: Chemical Parameters of Bottled Water

Temperature is the measure of the average thermal energy of a substance. The temperature of the

bottled water samples ranged from 26.5+0.50 to 28.0+0.00 oC (Fig. 3). These values are within

the ambient temperature recommended by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON). The

values were similar to the temperature range of 26.1-27.0 reported by Ibrahim et al. [4].

Temperature influences the chemical and biochemical qualities of water [26-27].

The pH values of the bottled water samples were between 6.20+0.09-7.33+0.30 (Fig. 4). All the

samples had pH values in agreement with the recommended standards except sample SB8

(6.20+0.09) that was slightly below WHO and SON set limits of 6.50-8.50. The pH of this

sample needs to be adjusted as they are likely to dissolve heavy metals or cause acidosis.

The electrical conductivity of the water samples analyzed was found to range from 13.5+1.50–

317.5+1.50 µScm-1 (Fig. 5), which is far below the maximum 1000 µScm-1 recommended by

WHO and SON for drinking water. The low value is due to the presence of a minute amount of

dissolved salt. Duru and Ike [16] reported similar results of 10–270 µScm-1 from their findings

on the quality assessment of popular bottled water brands sold in Owerri Municipal, Imo State,

Nigeria.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Co

nce

ntr

ati

on

(m

g/L

)

Samples

Alkalinity

Chloride

Total Hardness




The total hardness of the packaged water ranged from 13-125 mg/L, as shown in Fig. 7. This

indicates that all the water samples analyzed were within the recommended standards. This is

due to the absence of bicarbonates and sulphates of alkali metals in the water samples, except

SB4 (125 mg/L), which is hard. The values observed in this study were higher than 4.01-26.05

mg/L and 0.8-3.0 mg/L reported for Quality of Bottled Water in Isuochi Town of Abia State and

Nsukka Town respectively [5, 15].

The chloride of the packaged water analyzed ranged between 2.89 - 31.36 mg/L as shown in a

Fig. 7. This indicated that chloride ion was present in all the water samples investigated, but at a

low concentration below 250 mg/L maximum permissible concentration set by WHO and SON

for drinking water. Higher concentrations of chloride ions in water add to its taste, increase

concentrations of other metals and cause hypertension [14, 28-29]. The values in this study were

higher than 0.00 to 0.13 mg/L reported for Bottled Water Brands Sold in Owerri Municipal, Imo

State, Nigeria [16], 1.87 –5.83 mg/L for water marketed in Bauchi Metropolis Nigeria [4] and

1.04 –7.89 mg/L for bottled Sold in Nsukka Town, Nigeria [5].

Alkalinity is the ability of water to neutralize the acidic effect of water which can be a result of

the presence of carbonate and bicarbonate in water. The alkalinity of bottled water in this study

ranged between 5-60 mg/L (Fig. 7). These values fall within the WHO specifications (200 mg/L)

allowed for drinking water. An increase in the total alkalinity of water is due to an increase in

bicarbonates in such water [30], and high alkalinity in water gives unpalatable taste [31]. The

result obtained in this study is higher compared to the alkalinity between 2.00-14.00 mg/L for

bottled water in Isuochi town, Abia State, Nigeria [15].

Heavy Metals Composition of Bottled Water

The result of the heavy metal analysis in this study is presented Fig. 8.




Figure 8: Distribution of Heavy Metals in Bottled Water

The result of the heavy metal analysis in this study presented Fig. 8, revealed that copper present

in only one sample (SB10) at a concentration of 0.01mg/L while lead was not detected in any of

the samples. Manganese was not detected in four samples while the remaining six brands SB1,

SB4, SB6, SB8, SB9, SB10 revealed the presence of manganese at a concentration ranging

between 0.02-0.08 mg/L. Iron was absent in most brands except SB1, SB4, SB7, and SB10 that

contained appreciable quantity at a concentration between 0.01-0.16 mg/L.

Copper is a trace element that occurs naturally in water at a very little quantity in drinking water

[32]. The maximum concentration of copper set by SON for drinking water is 1.00 mg/L. From

the analysis, none of the samples was observed to contain the trace element above the stipulated

concentration. When copper in drinking water exceeds the stipulated concentration, it can cause

gastrointestinal disorder [33].

The non-detection of lead in the samples can be due to the non-contact of the water source with

indiscriminate dispose of refuse. WHO [7] and SON [23] recommend maximum of 0.01 mg/L of

lead to be present in drinking water. High levels of lead in drinking water have a lot of health

impacts which include cancer, interference with Vitamin D metabolism, effect on mental

development in infants; and toxicity to the central and peripheral nervous systems [33].

0.00

0.50

1.00

1.50

2.00

2.50


Fe

Mn

Cu

Pb




CONCLUSION

This study evaluated the labeling information, physicochemical and heavy metals composition of

selected bottled water brands packaged within Niger State, Nigeria. The results obtained were

compared with the standards recommended by WHO [7] and SON [23]. The results showed that

the water samples complied with WHO and SON in terms of physical, chemical and heavy metal

characteristics except the pH of one sample that was below the permissible limit. In addition,

60% of the brands had no manufacturing and expiry dates on their label as recommended by

NAFDAC. Therefore, concerned agencies should carry serious surveillance and monitoring to

ensure that bottled water producers in the state strictly adhere to the standard operating produces.

In view of the growing demand for packaged drinking water in the state, it is recommended that

further studies be conducted intermittently to analyze wide range of water quality indices. Also,

it is recommended that the producers strictly adhere to the rules and regulations guiding bottled

water production and packaging.

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